The Nigerian Army has confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, while dismissing reports that the clerics were kidnapped at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor Abdul'aziz Yari.

The victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest axis in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara, according to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba.

The Army described reports suggesting that the scholars were abducted at Yari's residence as misleading.

"We wish to categorically refute the claim and set the record straight that no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari's Residence," the statement said.

"Intelligence reports confirm that some persons were abducted while travelling from Sububu forest axis within Bakura Local Government Area en route to Talata Mafara."

SIX IMAMS ABDUCTED

The Zamfara State Police Command separately confirmed that six Imams were abducted.

Police spokesperson DSP Yazid Abubakar told Daily Trust that security personnel had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

"Yes, the incident occurred, but the number of the Imams abducted was six and our men have intensified a rescue mission to ensure their safe return," Abubakar said.

According to Daily Trust, the victims were Juma'at Imams travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer session organised for peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu's 2027 reelection bid.

They were reportedly abducted about three kilometres from Damri village at Gidan Suleiman Bature in Gonar Sarkin Forest.

SECURITY FORCES LAUNCH RESCUE OPERATION

The Army said troops are working alongside other security agencies and local intelligence networks to locate and rescue the abducted clerics.

Authorities did not immediately provide details about the suspected kidnappers or disclose whether contact had been established with the abductors.

The Army urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information that could create panic or interfere with ongoing security operations.

Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with information that could assist the rescue mission.

The incident comes amid continuing security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups have carried out kidnappings and attacks on communities and travellers.

Security forces say operations are continuing to secure the release of the six scholars.